Display device



Maich 22, 1932. w. M. SPAINHOWER DI SPLAY DEVICE Filed March 30, 1931 INV'ENTOR, W/fef/K @5W/01061:

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Mar. 22, 1932 FATENT OFFICE WALTER M. SPAINHOWER, F LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS DISPLAY DEVICE Application led March 30, 1931.

This invention relates to a novel apparatus having reference to the displaying of advertising matter and the indicating of the time of day through the use of a novelly constructed series of display units mounted for movement about a stationary pointer.

The primary object of the instant invention is to provide time-keeping apparatus which has incorporated therein, means for associating and displaying information of a desired nat-ure which is best displayed by associating the same with a particular hour of the day or night.

Specifically, the invention contemplates a device particularly adapted for use in railway stations or terminalsof transportation systems where it is desired to display a list of data applicable to transportation facilities arriving or depart-ing from the particular station at a given hour.

While the invention in its various forms might be embodied in structures having widely varying characteristics, its salient features are well illustrated and disclosed in the accompanying drawings., and following specification, which refers thereto.

Like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a display and time-indicating device embodying` the invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section through the same, taken along line H-II of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detailed view through but one of the display units taken along line III- III of Fig. 1, and,

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 2.

A device embodying the invention contemplated might be made any suitable size and of any material susceptible of being formed to produce the essential parts of the display and time-indicating apparatus.

The structure should have a base 6, provided with spaced apart standards 8 which present bearings 10, in which is journaled a shaft 12 and to which most of the remaining parts of the device are aiiixed. Shaft 12 is Serial No. 526,221.

maintained against rotation by set screws 14 carried by bearings 10. To these bearings 10 are attached spaced apart, vertical discs 16, through each of which may be formed a. window 18 for the display of any suitable matter which it is possible to carry therebehind upon the side wall of a rotary body 20, mounted upon shaft 12 for rotation thereabout at any predetermined rate of speed. The means for moving body member 20 might be in the form of a spring motor 22, having a drive pinion 24 which is in mesh with gear 26, rigid to body 20. It is preferred that motor 22 be of a character which will rotate body 20 about shaft 12 at a speed similar to that of a time piece. Y

To carry out this feature of the invention, the device should be divided with a pointer 28, painted or otherwise marked upon the outer faces of each disc 16. This pointer 28, like disc 16, is stationary relative to body 20 and hour designating indicia 30 carried by body 20 shoud be moved past pointer 28 so that it requires an exact hour of time for one indicia to move beyond pointer 28 to a position where the neXtsucceeding indicia will be exactly opposite the pointer.

An annular wall 32, supported upon base 6 by brackets 34, may be provided for the purpose of presenting a neat appearance and to close the space between side walls 36 of body 20.

`With particular reference at this time to the specific construction of each of the display units carried by body 20. These units are disposed in an annular path about shaft 12 as a center and this path, which is likewise the path of travel, may be unobstructedly viewed from the side of the device because of its disposition between disc 16 and annular 90 wall 32.

Each of these units preferably consist of a iioating closed-end cylinder 38 which rests in a. transverse opening 40, formed by body 20. llhe cylindrical wall 42 `forming the 95 transverse opening 40 is provided with a plurality of openings 44, through each of which projects a. roller 46, mounted upon a pintle 48, carried by ears 50, struck outwardly from cylindrical wall 42.

It is preferred to provide at least four rollers 46 to engage cylinder 38, whereby the same may freely turn in a floating manner as body 2O is rotated about shaft 12. Within each cylinder 38 should be disposed a weight 52, acted upon by gravity for the purpose of maintaining its supporting cylinder 38 and the indicia 30 thereon in a predetermined given position throughout the complete revolution of body 20. That is to say, indicia 3() marked on the ends of each cylinder 38 will be maintained in a vertical position at all times and any other matter carried by the Vend of cylinder 38 retained in an upright, readable position throughout its entire circuit about shaft l2.

In practical use, it sometimes becomes desirable to associate with a particular hour -of the day, designations indicating the ar- '2O is turning.

In the instance shown, there are twelve display units indicating by the indicia thereon the hour ofthe day and'in practice, time may be determined by observing the device and any suitable advertising brought to the attention by placing the sam'e at appropriate points, as mentioned hereinbefore'.

While one form of the invention has been yillustrated and described, it must be understood 'that modifications falling within the scope of the following claims and within the spirit of the invention might be made without departing therefrom.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: Y

l. A display and time indicator comprising a stationary pointer; a movable body; a plurality of rotary display units carried by the body; and means'for moving the display units past said pointer at a' predetermined speed.

2. A display and time indicator comprising a stationary pointer; a movable body; a plurality of rotary display units carried by the body; means for moving the display units past said pointer at a predetermined rate of speed; and structurefor maintaining the vertical axis of each display unit in a constant vertical position as the same are carried past said pointer.

3. A display and time indicator comprising an annularl display surface; a plurality of display units rotatably mounted upon said body to form a part of said display surface stationary pointer; a motor-driven body; a

plurality of display units carried by the body past said pointer at a predetermined rate of speed; means to set up relative rotation Aof each unit and body as'the body is being driven; and means on theV face of each unit for indicating the time and afflxing display devices.

6. In a device of the character described, a stationary pointer; a motor-driven body; a plurality of display units carried by the body past said pointer at a predetermined rate of speed; and means to' rotatably carry each unit comprising a plurality of roller bearings supported by said body.

`'Z'. In a device of the `character described, a

stationary pointer; a motor-driven body disposed for movement aroundv saidl pointer; a plurality of display units carried past said pointer by the body; a time-indicating vnumeral on each unit; and means for maintaining the numerals in vertical position as the body is moved.

8. In a device of the character described, a stationary pointer; a motor-driven'body disposed for movement'around said pointer;

and a plurality of display units carried past said pointer by the body, said units each comprising a closed cylinder having bothV ends exposed.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

WALTER M. sPArNHowiiR.V 

